TUMOR TREATING FIELDS THERAPY FOR
GLIOBLASTOMA & SELECT ADVANCED CANCERS

TTFields therapy is a device-based cancer treatment that uses low-intensity alternating electric fields delivered through adhesive arrays on the skin to interfere with how cancer cells divide. It is most established in glioblastoma, where it is used alongside surgery, radiotherapy, and temozolomide.

“TTF does not burn, cut, or poison cancer cells — it creates an electrical environment that disrupts cancer cell division while sparing non-dividing healthy cells.”

• A Complementary Therapy, Not a Cure

  TTF fits into a broader treatment plan. In glioblastoma it is added after surgery and radiotherapy, alongside oral chemotherapy. Realistic goal: extend survival and disease control in selected patients.

• Class III Medical Device

  The device is portable and worn for 18+ hours per day. Patients can sleep, work, walk, and travel with it. Globally associated with the Optune brand from Novocure.

TTF works through a fundamentally different mechanism from surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. The comparison below shows where each fits.

The device delivers alternating electric fields at a tuned frequency (around 200 kHz for brain tumors) through four transducer arrays placed on the scalp. The fields disrupt mitosis in actively dividing tumor cells.

1. 1

   Field Tuning by Tumor Type

   Frequency tuned to the target tumor — around 200 kHz for glioblastoma; different frequencies for mesothelioma and NSCLC.

2. 2

   Microtubule Disruption

   Polar protein subunits in dividing cells respond to the fields, preventing proper assembly of the mitotic machinery.

3. 3

   Abnormal Division and Cell Death

   Cancer cells fail to complete division or divide abnormally and die. Non-dividing healthy cells are largely unaffected.

4. 4

   Acts Beyond the Blood-Brain Barrier

   Unlike systemic drugs, electric fields act on residual tumor cells throughout a defined brain region regardless of the blood-brain barrier.

5. 5

   Possible Additional Effects

   Research suggests effects on membrane permeability, DNA damage repair, and immune recognition — supporting synergy with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

6. 6

   Wearable Device Delivery

   Patient wears a soft cap with four arrays connected to a small portable, rechargeable device carried in a shoulder bag or backpack.

7. 7

   Continuous Daily Use

   18+ hours per day for best results. Patients can sleep, work, walk, read, and travel with the device on.

8. 8

   Array Replacement and Scalp Care

   Arrays replaced every few days; scalp re-shaved at the same intervals for good contact. Patient and caregiver are trained for both.

TTF is most established in glioblastoma. Approval has been extended to other indications in selected jurisdictions; several other cancers are under active study.

The pivotal EF-14 Phase III trial in newly diagnosed glioblastoma compared maintenance temozolomide alone with maintenance temozolomide combined with TTF. Outcomes shown are modified intent-to-treat.

The headline figures most relevant to glioblastoma patients and families.

• 20.9 moMedian OS (TTF + TMZ)EF-14 trial, newly diagnosed glioblastoma.
• 13%5-Year SurvivalTTF + temozolomide vs ~5% with temozolomide alone.
• ≥18 hrsDaily Wear TimeThreshold most strongly associated with benefit.
• 60,000 RMBWhole-Life Device Cost in ChinaOne-time fee; hospital + accessories billed separately.

Pivotal studies that shaped current practice. Trial results describe population averages, not guaranteed outcomes for individual patients.

China uses a one-time, whole-life device cost of approximately $75,000 USD. Hospital fees, imaging, medicines, and accessories are quoted separately and up front so families can plan accurately.

TTF is not appropriate for every patient. Final decisions rest with the treating physician after full case review.

Side effects from TTF itself are largely local to the scalp. The bigger challenge is the daily commitment to continuous wear, scalp care, and array replacement.

TTF enters the picture after surgery and chemoradiation, alongside maintenance temozolomide. Patients may continue for many months or even years.

1. 1

   Surgery

   Maximal safe resection by neurosurgery. Pathology and molecular profile (IDH, MGMT, TERT, EGFR) confirmed.

2. 2

   Chemoradiation

   Daily radiotherapy for ~6 weeks with concurrent oral temozolomide. Family adapts to routine.

3. 3

   Add TTF

   TTF device added to maintenance temozolomide. Training on device, scalp shaving, array placement, daily routine.

4. 4

   Maintenance Phase

   Continued TTF with TMZ cycles. MRI follow-up every 2-3 months; device usage reviewed regularly.

5. 5

   Long-Term Continuation

   TTF continues as long as tolerated and effective. Reassessed at relapse or significant side effect.

TTF is rarely used alone. The established approach in glioblastoma combines TTF with maintenance temozolomide. Research is exploring combinations with checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapies, and novel agents.

• Established Combinations

  TTF + maintenance TMZ in newly diagnosed glioblastoma; TTF + bevacizumab in selected recurrence; TTF after re-irradiation or re-operation; TTF + pemetrexed/platinum in mesothelioma.

• Active Research

  TTF + PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors; TTF + targeted therapies matched to molecular profile. Several Chinese centres run combination studies.

From first contact to follow-up coordination after return home. Each step is supported by the CancerFax navigation team.

1. 1

   Share Reports with CancerFax

   MRI, histopathology, surgery notes, radiotherapy summary, chemotherapy history. No cost for initial review.

2. 2

   Medical Record Review

   Team reviews reports, identifies gaps, prepares summary for the receiving neuro-oncology team, arranges translations.

3. 3

   Neuro-Oncology Opinion

   Treating centre provides remote opinion on whether TTF is appropriate at this stage, alone or combined.

4. 4

   Eligibility Confirmation & Plan

   Itemised treatment plan and timeline: device cost (60,000 RMB), hospital fees, accessories, travel and accommodation estimate.

5. 5

   Travel and Arrival

   Visa documentation, airport pickup, hotel booking, hospital admission, interpreter support.

6. 6

   Hospital Appointment & Device Initiation

   Patient assessed at hospital. Scalp shaved, arrays placed, device initiated, correct usage confirmed.

7. 7

   Patient and Caregiver Training

   Both trained in array placement, daily routine, battery management, scalp care, signs to monitor.

8. 8

   Follow-Up and MRI Review

   Local MRI follow-up with image review by treating team. Plan adjustments coordinated with home oncologist.

Several factors make China a workable destination for international glioblastoma patients exploring TTF — coordinated multidisciplinary care, predictable pricing, and active trial portfolios.

• Coordinated Single-Roof Care

  TTF, temozolomide, radiation, neurosurgery, and clinical trials available in the same centre. Mature neuro-oncology programmes experienced with international patients.

• Predictable One-Time Pricing

  Whole-life device cost of ~60,000 RMB converts an unpredictable recurring expense into a single planned amount, easier for cross-border families to budget.

• International Patient Support

  English-speaking patient services and CancerFax-supported coordination for South Asian, Middle Eastern, African, and Southeast Asian families.

• Active Trial Portfolio

  Open glioblastoma combination trials with immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and novel agents. Centres often run trials and standard care side by side.

Explore related guides on glioblastoma, advanced cancer treatments, and your treatment journey in China.

Frequently Asked Patient Questions

Common questions families ask when exploring TTF therapy for glioblastoma or other cancers.